Pieter Malan has struck 625 runs in the 4 Day Franchise series at an average of 56.81. He is the leading domestic run-scorer in the series, while Janneman, who has assembled 562 runs at an average of 51.09, is the third most prolific scorer in the competition.

Pieter Malan is fourth on the list of national averages and Janneman ninth. The two openers of the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras, average an opening stand of 50.72 in eleven innings this season in the 4 Day Franchise series.

They have produced a stand of more than hundred runs for the first wicket on three occasions and have once assembled a half-century partnership.

Their belligerence explains why the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras have secured 22.12 batting bonus points, second most behind the bizhub Highveld Lions (22.72) during the first six matches.

Dane Piedt, skipper of the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras, says the Malan brothers’ ability to assess the situation makes them such valuable partners. “They take time to set up their stall,” he says.

“They are from the same bloodline and have good communication,” he adds.

“They are also very different and complement each other. Pieter is solid and has been the core of our team by scoring big hundreds and bashing the door down to be selected for South Africa.

“Janneman puts pressure on the bowlers and plays an aggressive brand of cricket,” he adds.

“Pieter makes it hard on any opposition captain and he forces the bowlers to bowl in second, third and fourth spells,” he adds.

“We have different styles and approaches,” Pieter Malan says. “I try and bat time, Janneman is more attacking”.

“There is good chemistry between us. We have grown up together.

“I try and work hard and prepare as excellently as possible in the week leading up to the match.

“The two of us communicate well in the middle and speak about plans against the bowlers. But I don’t correct him if he plays an attacking brand. He knows the game well,” Pieter Malan said.

“At the end of the day, opening partnerships in any form of the game settles the whole dressing room down. We have had it more often than not this season with the Malan brothers,” said coach Ashwell Prince.

“In the previous match against the Warriors, they added in excess of 120 in both innings.

“The reason for this is that they are hungry, motivated and good batsmen in search of higher honours,” Prince said.